Leatherman ARC

 The Leatherman ARC

Review by LMNT3

    I recently purchased the latest and greatest multi tool from the American company Leatherman (in my opinion the staple for multi tool). It’s a combination of many of the tools used on previous models but has been elevated to a more premium fancy boy tool. I’ll highlight the features but the biggest take away is the steel used for the blade, CPM MagnaCut. 

    What is MagnaCut? It’s a Freninstein monster of a steel, developed by the great Dr. Larrin Thomas. This new blade steel is a high corrosion resistant steel similar CPM 20V, with some awesome toughness similar to CPM 4V steels. This blade is going to hold an edge a lot longer than previous Leatherman steels such as the CPM 154, and the 420 HC. I know that’s a lot of specs but ultimately the overall vibe of this tool deserves a high quality upgrade.

    The ARC runs of the Free System, meaning all tools are one hand operated. The Free System runs on magnets to keep it closed and able to freely open when needed. The blade is DLC coated black, and has a very pleasing black and grey color to the tool. Clocking in at 8.70 oz, measuring overall 4.22 inches, and the thickness of .65 inches this is a big boy. The tool list is as followed: 

• MagnaCut DLC coated blade
• Scissors 
• Prybar
• Changeable big driver (comes with interchangeable bites)
• Awl 
• File (corse and diamond file)
• Needle nose pliers
• Regular pliers
• Wire cutters (can also be replaced when worn out)
• Wire stripper
• Bottle opener
• Large screwdriver
• Small screwdriver
• Can opener
• Saw 
• Electrical crimper
• Impact surface

    That’s quite a list, all of which have been carefully studied and put on this tool by Leatherman listening to customers and made what I’m calling the best multi tool. Now let’s talk price, this is the most expensive tool released by Leatherman, $220. Of course one could get a less expensive option, however sometimes treating oneself to a nicer tool isn’t bad. The quality is amazing, the attention to detail, the tool list, everything about this tool yells I want to work, and can if treated and cared for can last years, and years. Leatherman is a tool company that makes a product that will last, growing up I remember my father having one and 23 years later is still using the same one. 

    This tool is a decades worth of experience by both hard working men and women, making a tool that will last and never fail. Ever since the first one made back in 1983, tools are meant to help and make our lives better; so why not get one that is meant for us the hard working. 

*Photograph taken from BladeHQ.com